搜寻留言板

Hi! My name is John Doe. if you
are learning English and have a question, you can try to find
the answer here. You can also ask us, and we usually come and
answer questions once a week. Many answers are read aloud in
an mp3 file. So it is another good opportunity for you to
practice listening!

(Note: At this time we can only
reply you here and not by email. Sorry!)

John Doe 老师！你好！我是刚找到你们的网站，我是一名业务员，很多时候跟客户谈判时，我就是个哑吧！听不懂，也不会说：我想知道怎样才能学好英，

A

Hi, amber,If you can ask them to slow down, that will help. (Say: "Can you speak slowly please?") Another possible thing to do is to record what the client says, so that you can go back and practice listening. It will be good to get familiar with the terms used in your business or profession as well.

Hi: I listen English articles everyday.I don't know if I shall recite these articles.Thank you!

A

Hi, lisa,It is good that you listen to English everyday. Even though it is useful to recite English articles, I think it may be better to just read along aloud many times, so that you get used to hearing it and also saying it, and let it soak in naturally rather than memorizing it word for word.

How do i to imporve my english study as i am realy want to have good master of english, it is very usefull and imporant for me to lern a forign languang in my furute work

A

Listen a lot, read a lot, write a lot, speak it a lot!

- John

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小蝶
2005.12.29

Improving Oral English

Q

Hello!我是一名中专生，现在读商贸英语。但我的英语口语不是很好，可是我不知道怎样提高英语口语能力，你能指导一下我吗？

A

Hi,小蝶,I have given advice on this topic before. Have you looked at those?

- John

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cherry
2005.12.26

Improving Listening Quickly

Q

every day I listen CCTV-9, but i can't understand it very well. i want to improve my listneing English quickly, i want to know where have language chatting room on line, would you like to tell me?thank you.

A

Hi, cherry,It is good that you are listening to an English channel everyday because practicing is what it takes to improve. Sorry, I don't know for sure where there are chatting rooms online mainly for practicing English. Have you tried searching for them on search engines? Maybe "Studio Classroom" has them.

Hi,小草,That is a good idea. We do hope to offer such later on. What do you think about the idea of having a chatroom here open once a week for an hour? Will you come? What is the best time?

- John

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sophia siu
2005.12.26

Someone to Practice With

Q

Dear John, i want to improve my oral english very much.but the most difficuty problem i 've faced is that no one pratice with me.i don't know how to find a person speak english with me?think you very much that you answer my queation

A

Hi, sophia,That seems to be the problem that many face - the lack of someone to practice with. We hope to offer something some time. Meanwhile, can you find anyone who is also learning English to practice with? A classmate? A coworker?

- John

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Peterson
2005.12.25

Legal Talk

Q

hi,Johni am a corporate counsel, i find the following sentence is not easy to understand.Can you help me? please paraphrase the sentence. "Trade Secrets shall be designated as such in writing by the Disclosing Party to be protected as a Trade Secret"

A

Hi, Peterson,I am not trained enough to be an expert to tell you what that sentence means exactly in a legal document. But as a normal English-speaking layman, I would understand that sentence to mean the following: the "Disclosing Party" (which I think is usually named at the beginning of the document) shall clearly state in writing that something is a trade secret in order for it to be protected as a trade secret. But for the final definitive answer, you'd better ask someone in your profession who is qualified to tell you!

Hi, Chengcheng,It sounds like you have done quite a bit of research to find the answer. It is important to look at the whole sentence in order to decide if it is right or wrong. But the following are correct:

1. Help him do it.2. Good planning helps you in constructing a workable model.3. Having a clear head helps your being able to understand the code.4. Having a clear head helps the understanding of the code. (a bit awkard, but still correct)

Since English is not the native tongue of people in Italy, they may not speak English correctly. "Very compliment for your exam" is not quite proper English. What you wrote is right: Congratulations on sth.

Please advise how I could classify the word is used for verb or adj. In my understanding verb+ed is a adjestive.

A

Hi, Heidi,Good question!

The word "disappointed" is used here as an adjective.
I think one key thing that makes it not a passive voice: it does not say "disappointed by the film".

Here is a good resource: http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/047.html. Look under "participles as adjectives" (at the bottom of the page).

- John

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janey
2005.12.21

Reading to Gain Information

Q

do you think the method of gaining information is reading extensive and why?

A

Hi, janey,Yes, I believe reading extensively is an excellent way to gain information. I know people who know a lot because they read extensively.

- John

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Jane
2005.12.20

Avoid English-learning Becoming Dull

Q

I like english very much .But sometimes when I learn it ,I feel it dull .Because I learn it for a long time in a day without having a rest .And sometimes I feel I am wasting time in learning english ,because it's not effert after I study it very hard .

A

Hi, Jane,I think it depends on what you do to learn it, and how you do it. If you memorize words and their definitions everyday for 3 hours, I can understand why it becomes boring.

It will be good to do a few different things in learning English. For example, writing to friends in English is not boring. Reading English stories is not boring. And it is important to rest from time to time so that your mind can rest. Your writing me in English here is also a good way to practice English, and not too boring! Reading others'questions and answers is also interesting. What do you think?

- John

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2005.12.20

Accents

Q

我的英語口音很不標准怎樣才能學好呢

A

The accent is the hardest and last to perfect for those who don't live in a native English environment. The most important key is to listen to native speakers a lot, and listen to yourself.

Hi,后悔的我,Yes, grammar is not easy. But one does not have to learn grammar first - except for the very basic (I think you don't even have to know the grammatical terms. You just need to know how to form a correct sentence!)

So I would suggest that you start with learning the basic verbs and to read stories, and read them aloud. Choose books that are suitable for your level. Visit our website and read the mini-story "My Dog".

- John

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2005.12.17

Shy and Timid Learner

Q

你好，我是一名中学生。我的胆子很小，也不敢在生人面前说英语，表达能力较差，我该怎么办？

A

Hi,Join an English drama group at school. Or get together with a couple of friends and learn an English play (drama). That is a good way to practice.

- John

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龙卷风
2005.12.17

Put Your Heart In

Q

You will learn English well as long as you put your heart on it 什么意思

A

Hi,龙卷风,Put one's heart in something means to do something or aim at something wholeheartedly.

- John

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雪雁
2005.12.16

Basic English

Q

您好：我的英语很差，不知道如何学起，看呢能看懂一点，听就没戏。该怎么办？若是让我练习一个句子语法又很糟糕。可是看正确的我又能看得懂。

A

Hi,雪雁,You have a good start if you can understand some. So let me ask you to write your questions in English so that I can see what your level of English is.

- John

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TINA TANG
2005.12.15

How to say 某某人暂时联系不到

Q

Hi, John

我想表达某某人暂时联系不到，往往这个暂时地怎么用英语去正确表达？

A

Hi, TINA TANG,You can say one of the following:

1. Mr. Wong is not available right now.2. Mr. Wong is not available at the moment.

- John

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Nancy
2005.12.14

Keeping the Enthusiasm

Q

I am not major in English, but I am quite crazy about it.Well, sometimes I find it a bit difficult for me to keep my passion as fresh as before consistently.I feel a bit lost,could you offer me some advice.Well ,anyway,thank you!

A

Hi, Nancy,To keep up the enthusiasm, it helps when you need to use it. For example, when you need to use English at work, or when you are corresponding with someone who only understands English.

- John

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someone
2005.12.13

Vocabulary and Grammar

Q

I always forgotten the grammers~in my Exam. i only got 49 over 100, this is a big problem.

And i did the open cloze ,tranformation and comperhension badly too~

In the comperhension, i got 11 over 40~my god~I can't read the passage~there are many words i didn't know the meaning~although i study it in my primary sch.~

what can i do? i read one English book a day~i try my best already~

but i got high mark of chinese lang. Exam~Are these two events have any relation?

One more thing is, i know that my English is so bad~if i made a mistake don't laugh at me~

A

Hi, someone,To improve vocabulary, you need to read a lot, and write a lot. So if you are only reading, and not writing enough, it may be hard to remember all the words that you are learning.

And then in terms of grammar, do you know in which area you are weak? From what you wrote, it seems that you need to improve on the basics: the tenses, especially the past and the perfect tenses. So it may be good to do some exercises in that area.

It is ok to make mistakes here. No one will laugh at you because this is a forum for those who are learning.

- John

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Diann
2005.12.13

Textbook for Beginners

Q

請問對於一個初學者來說,該如何去選擇教本呢

A

Hi, Diann,The answer to your question depends on how much of a beginner you are. Do you know the alphabets (ABC...)? Do you know simple nouns (car, dog, cat, apple...)? Do you know the basic sentences (I am a girl)?

Hi, stone,Here are some good things to talk about: ask him/her where he/she came from, what it is like there, etc. You can also ask him/her what he/she likes about China, where has he/she traveled during his/her vacation.

- John

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seu
2005.12.12

Improving English when Working

Q

dear John Doe: I am very study English.but my english is not good.i am very bad now.what can you do for me?Because my work need the English.how long till i get your answer? how impove the English ,pls let me know if it possible

A

Hi,seu,Sorry it has taken a long time for me to reply. You have taken the right first step: using English to ask questions here. That is because to improve it, you must use it. Since you need to use English at work, you should get English material that relates to your work. Can you tell me what kind of job you do?

- John

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kaka
2005.12.11

Translation

Q

how to improve the ablity of the translation

A

Hi,kaka,You need to be good at both languages.

- John

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语儿
2005.12.10

Junior High English

Q

我是一名初一的学生我的英语好差啊我该怎么办

A

Hi,语儿,It is good that you are starting early because it is better to start early learning a language. Here is my advice: listen a lot of English, read a lot, and use it a lot.

- John

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Dhq
2005.12.10

Sentences

Q

Hi, John! I have two sentences here. Are they correct?1. I could give you a litlte lesson on Japanese table manners if you'd like.2. I haven't been to Beijing. Neither of I.

A

Hi,Dhq,The first sentence has a wrong spelling - it should be little. The second one should be (spoken by two different people):

"I haven't been to Beijing.""Neither have I."

If spoken by the same person, it should be:"I haven't been to Beijing either."

- John

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小卓
2005.12.10

Picking Up Again

Q

你好！我有好几年没有学过英语了，但我现在非常的想学，由于时间长了，现在的水平还没有高中好那，我现在还要用，怎么办？

A

Hi,小卓,You already have two things going for you: 1. You had learned it before.2. You now have a pressing need - you have to use it.

I would suggest that you first find out where you stand as far as your English level, then find material that is suitable for you. And to improve faster, you must listen more.

- John

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Helen
2005.12.09

Speak Native English

Q

Hello John, when I speak English I just can use some very simple words and sentences, but can speak some beautiful and native English, how to solve this problem?

A

Hi, Helen,I assume that you meant to say you could not speak English like native English speakers. It does take a long time to be able to speak like a native speaker. I think the main thing is to listen more and speak more.

- John

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ymkst
2005.12.09

Learning Late in Life

Q

I'm 53 years old just now but I want to learn English. Do you tell me what is the best way to learn the language? Thank you.

My E-mail:***@xinhuanet

A

Hi,ymkst,Are you just pulling my leg? Your English is not bad at all.

- John

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Emily
2005.12.08

Stories or Essays

Q

我是第一次上来，我想知道这里有没有英语小故事或小短文？？？？？

A

Hi, Emily,Welcome! Yes, we have stories and also some essays. Just look around!

Yes, you can download the mp3. When you see an mp3 link, right-click your mouse.

- John

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豆豆
2005.12.07

Speaking English

Q

hi ,john:I afride to speak english ,because i don't know the worlds are right,what should i do .thanks .

A

Hi,豆豆,
You should still speak, and also listen more. The more you speak and try to think about what to say, the more you will learn and remember.

- John

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豆豆
2005.12.07

Improving English Among Westerners

Q

dear john :I'am a freshman in blue sky collage ,my english is poor ,specially the grama,what should i do ,and i can't express well in class.Every weeks i do listening excerse ,but not very good effect.Can you help me ,how i can do it well.Thanks.best wishes

A

Hi,豆豆,I assume that you are studying in a college located in a western country. If so, it is a great opportunity to improve your English. In addition to doing listening exercises, spend time with western friends and classmates so that you can practice talking with them.

- John

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小黎
2005.12.07

Listening Difficulties

Q

我的英语不好，很难听懂老师讲的内容，这对我的听课造成了很大的困难，我也很烦，我想问问老师我怎么样才能让我的课不再存要问题

A

Hi,小黎,One thing you can try is to do a preview before a class: read the material that the teacher will cover before the class so that you have some idea what he will be talking about. Look up some of the terms so that you know those words already or at least have seen them. Let me know how it goes!

- John

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2005.12.07

Websites for mp3 Download

Q

你能告我一些能下载mp3的网站吗

A

Hi,I suggest you use a search engine to find them.

- John

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小孩
2005.12.07

Downloading mp3 files

Q

我想问一下怎样才能从网上下载到本机上，我一点MP3就是直接打开播放器了。

A

Hi,小孩,You can right-click with your mouse (press the button on the right) on the mp3 link and then select the "save target as..." option.

- John

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Lucy
2005.12.06

Watching the world go by

Q

Sometimes the best show is watching the world go by.什么意思

A

Hi, Lucy,"Watching the world go by" can mean just observing what is happening around you as a spectator, but it will be good to see the content of your sentence to know for sure.

- John

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SOPHIA
2005.12.06

Increase One's Vocabulary by Listening

Q

I INCREASE MY VOCABULARY BY LISTENNING ,DO YOU THINK I AM RIGHT.

A

Hi, Sophia,Yes, listening is one good way to expand one's vocabulary. But be sure to listen to material that is at your level. In other words, it is at a speed that is not too fast and with not too many words you don't understand.

- John

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小麦
2005.12.06

Dictionary, Video

Q

你好,我是英语学习的爱好者,我的工作经常用到英语,但我都是查字典找出来的.我想提高我的英语口语,你那有些视频之类的教学英语对话的资料吗?

A

Hi,小麦,Dictionary is a great tool for learning English, especially one that has examples of usage.

Sorry, we don't have any video material yet.

- John

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琛
2005.12.05

A Mistake

Q

Mr.JoneWould you like to tell me why "myself"is used in the sentence "Dave hesitated, but he did not want to be left outside all by myself so he had no choice but to crawl in after Phil. "Thank you.

A

Hi,琛,I believe that is a mistake in our story. Thank you for pointing that out. It should be "himself" instead.

- John

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zhlifang
2005.12.05

Chinese Terms

Q

Could I ask you a question,sir? I don't know how to say the Chinese god in English,such as 玉皇大帝、三清大帝、河伯as so on . Thank you.

A

Hi, zhlifang,I think you'd better look them up in a Chinese-English dictionary.

- John

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Shaka Yuen
2005.12.05

Teaching Junior Middle School

Q

I am a college student and major in English and will be an Engnish teacher in junior middle school. I`d like to get your tip on how to improve students` oral English, would you? thanks

A

Hi, Shaka Yuen,I think the first step is to get them to start saying at least something in English. One of the best tools is doing a drama in which they memorize the lines and act out the scenes. They can have fun and learn at the same time.

- John

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DOUBLE SHA
2005.12.04

Cure for Laziness

Q

Hello! MR JOHN We have finished our exam ButI found that my level has been down for my 懒惰 what can i du ?

A

Hi, DOUBLE SHA,Well, at least you know your problem! Self-discipline is a struggle for many people. A good way to overcome your laziness is to set yourself a schedule, then follow it for at least two weeks. Another thing to do is to give yourself a reward after you do something.

- John

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Only
2005.12.04

Business Communication Skills

Q

hello,Mr John: I would like to ask that whether our freshman need to study some business communication skills,such as dancing,because my major is business english.if is,could you tell me how to do,please?thank you!looking forward your reply.

A

Hi, Only,I have not studied business before, but dancing does not sound like a business communication skill to me. However, it may be something required where you are! But I don't know how to advise you about that.

- John

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2005.12.04

Two-Minute English Stories

Q

有没有2分钟内的英文故事

A

Many of our stories just last 2 minutes or less.

- John

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Jacky
2005.12.04

Improving Writing Skills

Q

Hi, i am Jacky. Please tell me how can i improve my english writing. I also cann't write very well.

Thanks,Jacky

A

Hi, Jacky,Read more, write more, and speak more!

- John

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icefox
2005.12.03

Basic English

Q

我的英语口语连最基本的音标都读的不是很标准怎么办

A

Hi, icefox,I would suggest that you don't worry about getting the pronunciations exactly right for now because that may take years. It is more important to be able to communicate and get the grammar right.

- John

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Frank
2005.12.02

Gigantic vs huge

Q

What's the difference between the word(giggant) and the word(huge)

A

Hi, Frank,The two words are very similar. In fact, in one of my dictionaries, huge is given as one explanation of gigantic. However, in everyday use, I would say that when people use the word gigantic, they are describing something bigger than huge, or at least they want to emphasize how big it is.

hello,Mr Doe.I'm an English teacher in a junior middle school.In our text book.there are some phrases that i don't understand.help me,please.what does "School Day"mean?In my textbook.there's a question:Do you have a School Day?I don't know how to answer it .another question is what SCHOOL TRIP means. Thank you very much. yours : Burt Zuo

A

Hi,Burt Zuo,The term "school day" is often used to refer to a day when the students have to go to school. e.g. The mother told her son that he needed to go to bed early because the next day was a school day. But what is in your text book "Do you have a School Day" may mean something different. It may mean that it is a day to promote the school. I will need to see the context to know for sure.

A "school trip" may be what is often referred to as a "field trip" in which all the students go together to some place to visit or for some activities. Going to a museum is a common "field trip".

Dear John, It's my first time to come here.I've read some of your answers to others' questions.Your patience deeply moves me.Though the Thanksgiving Day has gone,I sincerely wish you happy and healthy for ever.Thank you!

A

Hi, Danny,Thank you so much for what you said. Happy New Year to you and may God bless you!

Hi,Rebecca,That is an interesting question. I think one needs to be very diplomatic when writing a letter to turn down someone's affection. I think you should let the person know that you value him as a friend since you appreciate his qualities (and you can list some of them). And then you can say that you would rather continue to be just friends.

What do you think?

(By the way, a letter from a girl to her boyfriend to break up the relationship is often called a "dear John letter".)